The Best Time to Get NBA Autographs on Game Day

byMatt RaymondonJanuary 21, 2013

My basketball career began at the age of five when my parents signed me up for a local youth team. We were called the Cavaliers and my coach was a tomboy with a long braided ponytail that reached down to the small of her back. I was already a hoops fan, watching the Celtics championship teams on my father’s knee during the first half of the 80s. But playing the game transformed an interest into a passion and I would play twelve months a year through high school. (Incidentally, I was so convinced I was going to play in the NBA that I retired from baseball after Little League—even after hitting .600 my final season—to focus singularly on hoops. Yeah, that didn’t work out.) Though I didn’t have the chops to compete on the D1 level at UMass, my love for basketball persisted. So when I was introduced to in-person collecting I couldn’t wait to start graphing some of the stars I grew up watching.

Fortunately, of the four major sports basketball is the easiest to graph—they offer more opportunities and operate on an extremely predictable schedule. While hockey players are arguably better signers, there are many top-tier NBA players who are still generous with a pen, including Kevin Durant, Dirk Nowitzki and Carmelo Anthony.

I’ve been getting a ton of emails from readers about when to head to the hotel for NBA teams, so I created this guide to give you the insight you need to graph in a smart, efficient way on game day.

Arrival (Evening Before the Game)
Your first opportunity to graph is upon arrival to the hotel. Typically, a team will travel on an off-day and you can expect them to check-in between 5-7 p.m. the evening before a game to give players enough time to have dinner, relax and get a good night’s rest. Because they come off the bus at once and the number of collectors is usually low, graphing multiple players can be a challenge. In this case having more collectors around actually helps because they can delay one player while you graph someone else. I’ve been in this situation many times and I wish I had another pair of arms to keep up with the flurry of activity.

In the event of a back-to-back game, you can estimate arrival time with the following equation:

Time game ends + 1.5 hours (postgame interviews/travel to airport) + duration of flight + travel time to hotel = Arrival time

It’s inexact but will get you in the ballpark so you can decide whether you want to invest your time. Regardless, in this scenario it’s going to be a late night.

Before Shootaround
On the morning of game day, visiting teams typically depart the hotel on a single bus between 9-9:30 a.m. for a 10 a.m. shootaround. Players stream out one at a time which is ideal for graphing and the early hour limits the number of collectors on site (ideal in this scenario since you’ll have plenty of time to identify individual players). While some players are strictly “game time signers”—they sign once on the trip, before boarding the bus to the game—many of my biggest successes have come during the less hectic time before shootaround (e.g., Kobe autographed mini ball, Dwyane Wade autographed jersey, Kevin Durant autographed jersey).

After Shootaround
The duration of shootaround can vary but teams typically return to the hotel between 12-12:30 p.m. Like arrival, you encounter the challenge of dealing with an entire team stepping off the bus at once. You also have to contend with the fact that players just signed a couple hours prior so they are less likely to stop again. While there are signatures to be had, this is my least favorite time to graph.

Pregame Bus
The opportunity to get autographs as the team boards the pregame buses—most commonly referred to as “game time”—is a mixed bag. Players come out individually (which, as I mentioned before, is a huge advantage) but you’ll encounter the biggest crowd of the day so competition can be fierce. The first of two game time buses leaves at 4:30 p.m. (for a 7:30 p.m. tip off) and typically carries the coaches and young players. The second “veteran” bus leaves at 5:30 p.m. Get to the hotel early (e.g., 3:45 p.m. to graph the first bus), grab a spot up front, and you’ll be in great shape to let the ink flow.

At the Game
Every arena configuration and security protocol is different but there is one rule that applies across the board—arrive as soon as possible! At the Boston Garden, for example, premium seating is admitted two hours before the game (ticket holders in the loge and balcony are admitted only an hour before). The best graphing can be had by the tunnels where some players will stop and sign on their way to and from the court during warm-ups. I have the least amount of experience graphing at the arena so please leave a comment and share your tips.

Chesapeake Arena, have any tips on the easiest way to get autographs from some of the Thunder players before the game? We plan on being at the game vs. Timberwolves at 5:00pm, not really familiar w/ the arena and where we should be for their warm-ups? Any and all info would be greatly appreciated!!!!

Hi Matt,
Im going to the mavs and clippers game on march 13th. You’re article was really helpful. I’m in the 310 section I know (I know its high). I really want a picture with Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, Dirk, nate Robinson, and Parsons. Who do you think will take a picture with me? I don’t want to go to a hotel, or go really early, the game is at 7:30 and I can go like an hour earlier. I will really appreciate it if you reply!
Thank you so much,
Raafay Abbas

Thanks for the article! I’m surprising my boyfriend with tickets to the Warriors v. Pelicans game for his birthday. I have Club level tickets and was just wondering if it would be easier to possibly get an autograph or photo with these tickets? Our game starts at 7 pm and I’d love the opportunity to get him some photos/autographs if possible.

im going to watch the bulls at home and hopefully sitting right behind the bench what do you think the rules would be on asking for a signature while there resting on the bench either before after or during the game?

Hey guys, just wanted to throw out that getting Steph Curry’s autograph is SUPER EASY.

Get to Oracle before they open the parking gates, then when they let you in you have to wait outside the Arena entrance. Once they open those doors run straight for the court seating near the tunnel, the ushers don’t ask if you look confident that you sit in that section (although I printed a fake ticket in case they asked)

Steph is usually the first one out there doing his pre game ritual/drills/warm ups. Then he’ll take his “tunnel shot” (when i went he made it on the first try). Right after he takes the shot he signs autographs, just make sure that you are not too high in the stands that he can’t reach your pen/memorabilia. He is such a nice dude and usually signs as many as he can.

I’m going to see Kobe at staples for the home opener this year, I hope I can get his, but that might be tricky. We’ll see! Happy Graphing everyone!

Thank you so much for posting this. I’m going to Philly for a Sixers game against the Warriors. It’s at 5pm. I have floor seats behind the baskets. I wanted to try to meet Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson – possibly get pictures with them or autographs. Does the visiting team sign by their tunnel pregame? Would it also be possible to catch them when they’re leaving the arena postgame? Do you know their exit? Thanks!

Hi! Very helpful article. I’m surprising my girlfriend with tickets to a game and actually have some personal reasons to trying to get her an autograph or picture. If you could get back to me then we could chat and I’d love to hear what you think would be our best option! Thank you!

Hey Matt,
I was at a Blazers vs Pacers game last year and got George Hill and Wesley Matthews autograph and it was awesome! I’m going to a Blazers vs. Lakers game in January on the 23rd at the Moda Center in Portland. They’re coming from San Antonio on the 22nd. Would love to get Kobe’s autograph, do you know what his routine is or if he signs for a lot of fans? Recommendations? Get there early day of game to get some autographs? All the info helps thanks,

I am going to Clippers Vs.TWolves on feb 3. I’m sitting in section 105 3rd row next to the rail. I’m a longtime KG fan and I’m hoping to get his autograph. what are my chances being that close and is KG autograph friendly?

Matt,
I really enjoy the website and this article in particular. Heading to Boston in a couple of days to catch Kobe’s last game in town. Obviously, hoping to get his him to sign something. Any advice at the local venues? I’ve already planned to try before shoot around. Is it best to try and catch them in the lobby or outside the hotel?
Thanks again for the information in the article
Elex

Hello,
I was wondering if anyone knows what hotel the Bulls stay in when in Cleveland. I have heard rumors that it’s the Ritz Carlton but I just wanted to confirm those rumors.
Would appreciate any help.

Hi there, I’m attending the lakers@portland at the moda center on January 23. Would you know what seat section number the visiting team comes out from. Thanks a bunch!
Also what section the visiting team sits at?

I am taking my 10 year old daughter to the Spurs and Bulls game on March 10th. We have balcony seats so getting autographs during warm up is I’m sure out of the question. Can anyone give me any insight on how to get autographs from the Bulls team?

Hello,
I was wondering if you can give me a few tips on getting Stephen Curry’s autograph. I am going to a suns game vs the warriors and sitting in section 103 row 4. Would I be able to get an autograph by going early to the game or how does that work?

Hello, I’m going the Hornets at Bucks game in Milwaukee Tomorrow 2/19. I have box suite level seats and I was wondering when to go to the game to get autographs? I know where to go just not when. Thanks in advance

I’m taking my son for his 12th bday to see Spurs vs Thunder 3/12/16. We want autographs from one of the top 3 Spurs & KD. We arrive San Antonio that morning and can hang at the hotel like you suggested. I’m wondering how can I find out which hotel the Spurs & Thunder stay. I live in Austin so not many connections.

If ya’ll want autographs to be easy, just go to preseason games. I went with my children and the security isn’t strict at all. I went to Warriors vs Clippers and bought some $115 dollar oncourt tix. They gave us autographs while shooting around and we also were able to take pictures with them in the tunnel. P.S. Curry is not 6’3″. When we were in the tunnel that man came to my shoulder and I’m 6’1″.

Hey guys- I know many tips to how to get autographs. I go to Heat games at least once a month and I’ve been able to get into a conversation with Chris Andersen and a lot of other things including autographs. Here are some of my tips-
1- In order to get into the tunnel area without the security people check your tickets you can get in with a large group and stick with them until you pass the guard. If they ask you inside to see your ticket just say your friend has them and he went to get beer or something.
2- Get the players’ attention. Wave your arms. Yell their name. JUMP UP AND DOWN- that’s a big one. The best thing is to do all 3 at the same time. One time I got Chris Andersen to pass me his ball. He then came to the tunnel to were I was sitting and he asked me what was my name and how long I’ve been a Heat fan and more questions. Unfortunately, I got so lost in the moment that I forgot to ask him for an autograph.
3- Bring a poster. On Dec. 16 I went to the LA Clippers vs Heat game and I took a poster saying “CP3- best player ever!, Chris got them handles!” and more. I did see him read the poster then waved and gave me a thumbs up. To the Warriors game I brought a flag and waved it and KD came and autographed my snapback.

Use these tips and your game will go fantastic. But don’t go with your hopes too up. It’s pretty hard to get an autograph.

The Cavs are playing San Antonio tonight at 7 pm (central time) today on Monday the 27th. They don’t play till Thursday against the Bulls the 30th and a quick back to back have to fly to philly the next night. Richard Jefferson said that they would be in Chicago for three days, I think the Cavs stay at the Ritz Carlton when they come to Chicago. What time do you think they will leave and arrive at he hotel. I figure if I get them when they first check in to the hotel a couple days off. I can get a chance to meet he cavs players. Suggestions?

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